UJ shattered the defending champions UWC’s hopes of reaching another final, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory to book their place in the championship decider. UP-Tuks also had to dig deep in a tense Pretoria derby, eventually overcoming neighbours TUT on penalties to secure their spot in the final and set up an intriguing showdown against UJ.
Elsewhere, Wits claimed Group A bragging rights with a narrow 1-0 victory over CPUT, while WSU fought back to edge UL in an entertaining battle between the two newcomers.
UJ 1-0 UWC
In a high-stakes semifinal clash at Wits Stadium, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) dethroned reigning champions, University of the Western Cape (UWC), courtesy of a moment of sheer brilliance from Lindelwa Mabuza to seal a dramatic 1-0 victory.
With a prized spot in the final on the line, the collision of these two heavyweights lived up to its fiery billing from the opening whistle. UJ set an aggressive, high-tempo rhythm early on, throwing numbers forward and pressing the Western Cape side deep into their own half. UWC defended heroically to absorb the initial barrage, though their own intermittent counter attacks failed to test UJ goalkeeper Matshidiso Masebe.
Despite UJ dominating possession and general play, the encounter proved an agonising test of patience for the Orange Army head coach Nthabeleng Modiko, whose side frequently lacked composure and sharp decision-making in the final third.
The tense battle continued into the second period with chances remaining at a premium. UWC mounted a few rare raids of their own, but it was their goalkeeper, Thandeka Ngcobo, who was repeatedly called into action to keep the champions alive.
The decisive breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute. UJ’s star playmaker, jersey Lindelwa Mabuza, crafted a sublime piece of combination play with Sbongakonke Mzobe. Slicing through the UWC penalty area, Mabuza latched onto the return pass and coolly lifted a delicate chip over the oncoming Ngcobo into the back of the net.
UJ managed the closing stages with grit and maturity, holding off UWC's desperate late push to secure a famous victory. Mabuza’s lone moment of magic not only ended UWC’s reign but also snapped a long-standing semifinal jinx against their fierce rivals - propelling the Orange Army into the final with ultimate authority.
SCORERS:
UJ: (0) 1
Lindelwa Mabuza
UWC: (0) 0
Player of the Match: Sthembile Sandleni (UJ)
TEAMS:
UJ: Matshidiso Masebe, Kabelo Mokoena, Kutlwano Maphane, Angel Munasi, Sthembile Sandleni, Nhlakanipho Moyo, Lindelwa Mabuza, Mpho Dlamini, Sbongakonke Mzobe, Ayanda Mnyembane.
UWC: Thandeka Ngcobo, Skye Constance, Unathi Simayile, Mmabatho Mogale, Nabeelah Galant, Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Kearah Gentry, Akholiwe Matsotsi, Tiffany Kortjie, Thembelihle Zulu, Lisakhanya Magida.
UP-Tuks 1(6) - 1 (5) TUT
A thrilling Pretoria derby saw the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) edge out Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to lock-in their place against UJ in the championship final.
The high-stakes semifinal erupted into action just five minutes after kick-off through a moment of absolute magic from Tuks’ star playmaker, Ibanathi Msindo. Stepping up to a free kick roughly 20 metres out, the maestro unleashed a dipping strike that smashed off the crossbar, bounced agonisingly off the TUT goalkeeper’s back, and trickled over the line to give Tuks an early lead.
TUT refused to let the early setback unsettle them and struck back with equal flair in the 16th minute. Presented with a set-piece at the edge of the box, skipper Sibongile Ntoane stepped up and struck a pristine, low-driven free kick directly into the bottom right corner, past the outstretched arms of Tuks custodian Akani Maluleke.
Reinvigorated by the equaliser, TUT surged forward, leaning heavily on the blistering pace of Thabiso Senyatsi down the right wing and the physical presence of striker Gugu Mabitsela. However, Tuks' defensive pair of Nthabiseng Mazoeu and Shannan Williams produced a masterclass in positioning, continually frustrating TUT’s attacking moves.
With a final berth on the line, an electrifying second half delivered non-stop end-to-end action, yet neither side could find the decisive touch, sending the derby straight into a dreaded penalty shootout.
The drama reached fever pitch as both teams missed two spot-kicks apiece in the standard rounds, pushing the contest into sudden death.
Tuks held their nerve, converting two crucial penalties while goalkeeper Akani Maluleke delivered the winning heroics - pulling off a dramatic save to deny TUT and send the Stripe Generation roaring into the final.
SCORERS:
UP-Tuks: (1) 1
Ibanathi Msindo
TUT: (1) 1
Sibongile Ntoane
Player of the Match: Ibanathi Msindo (UP-Tuks)
TEAMS:
UP-Tuks: Akani Maluleke, Liyema Dyeli, Sizakele Khumalo, Palesa Hlongwane, Thobile Mtsweni, Mmarita Malatji, Dakarai Zhoya, S’bahle Ndlovu, Shannan Williams, Nthabiseng Mazoeu, Ibanathi Msindo.
TUT: Mahlodi Mokoena, Nonzuzo Buthelezi, Lindiwe Nkambule, Noxolo Ngobe, Palesa Ntsholo, Ntateko Nkhuna, Sibongile Ntoane, Thabiso Senyatsi, Gugu Mabitsela, Nombuso Malesa, Mbali Ndlovu.
Wits 1-0 CPUT
The Group A playoff clash between hosts Wits and CPUT burst into life from the opening whistle, with the Johannesburg side eager to put on a show in front of their home supporters. Wits came out with intent and quickly put CPUT under pressure as they looked to secure the bragging rights and strengthen their position in the competition.
Wits posed early threats as Nelly Tebele saw her header cleared off the line. Siphesihle Ngalmane's troops showed lethal attacks and pressed CPUT hard.
Wits found the back of the net first and setting the tone in what looked like a one-sided affair. Nokubonga Msimango opened the score sheet after easily guiding the ball in the bottom corner.
After struggling to get out of their half, CPUT found their combinations late in the half and nearly got an equaliser. Wits forced to make errors at the back, Zilungile Mathiya fired a powerful free kick which was paired away by the keeper.
Wits maintaining their marginal lead into to the halftime break.
Technical and tactical discipline was the order of the day in the second half. Wits pulled the strings to remain in the lead but created limited chances. CPUT delivered an attacking second half in need of an equaliser but failed to convert their chances.
The Cape-based outfit pressed Wits hard, but goalkeeper Matsie Moekwa was up to the task ensuring her side remain in the lead. Zozibini Jim was presented with an opportunity to level matters alone in the box. Wits feeling the heat and failing to clear the lines, the ball fell on Jim's foot, but the forward booted it over the posts.
Wits remained compact at the back and not went on search for their second. Kiyhana Daniels made two blocks denying Wits to extend their lead. First Msimango released on a counter, Daniels dealing with it effortlessly, before booting away substitute Aliyaah Allie's shot.
Nothing could separate the two sides in the last stanza and Msimango's first half strike was enough to claim Wits victorious.
SCORERS:
Wits: 0 (1)
Nokubonga Msimango
CPUT: (0) 0
Player of the Match: Kihyana Daniels (CPUT)
TEAMS:
Wits: Matsie Bridgette Moekwa, Lusanda Nyathi, (C), Thalente Ntamane, Beyonce Van Wyk, Primrose Kopeka, Molatelo Mothiba, Elona Ncumeza, Nelly Tebele, Imaan Parker, Nokubonga Msimango, Olwethu Mdyesha
CPUT: Amanda Poti, Sinothile Makhanya, Snothando Mangaliso, Kiyhana Daniels, Liyema Tom, Mosetsanagape Theodorah Leepile (C), Zilungile Mathiya, Bontle Mkhangwana, Yandiswa Ndlangamandla, Zozibini Jim, Sinelisiwe Phumlomo
WSU 2-1 UL
WSU fight back from 1-0 down to seal a much needed 2-1 victory in a battle of newcomers. WSU and UL battled it out in Group B play offs in a chilly Johannesburg afternoon.
WSU kicked off things with an aim to pose immediate threat to UL, however the Turfloop outfit dealing with effort easily. UL drew the first blood with their first attack after they pounced on WSU with deadly attack. Turfies were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box which resulted in a goal.
Fiona Namanyana stepped up and hit it hard and low into the bottom far corner, leaving keeper wanting. WSU piled pressure on UL desperate to level matters. Lilita Mweli looked to a threat on UL defence and came close to scoring, but the forward was unable to keep her efforts on target.
WSU nearly found an equaliser on the stroke of halftime, when a powerful freekick from Mweli hit the post and Mandisa Gumede failed to put her rebound header on target. UL happy with a slender 1-0 lead at halftime break.
WSU returned with clear intentions to fight back and capitalise on their chances. The kuGompo City side immediately found an equaliser courtesy of Mandisa Gumede, with UL making unforced errors at the back, Gumede unleashed a lethal left-foot strike to put WSU back in the game. UL had their backs against the wall and hardly got out of their half. Mweli again hit the post in search of a lead.
Sandile Bimbi's troops kept charging at UL and finally took the lead. UL goalkeeper Mangoako Keetsi struggled with high dinking balls. Lilitha Mjungula fired looping shot from outside the box and the keeper could not deal with it.
In front for the first time, WSU kept attacking looking to extend their lead. Lilitha Mjungula had all the answers for WSU as she bagged a winning goal. Mjungula unleashed a long-range looping shot to put WSU in front for the first time.
With just two minutes remaining, UL almost spoiled WSU’s celebrations when Keletso Rakgate found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, she could only fire straight into the shot-stopper’s hands, allowing WSU to hold on and claim all the bragging rights in a hard-fought encounter.
SCORERS:
WSU: (0) 2
Mandisa Gumede, Lilitha Mjungula
UL: (1) 1
Fiona Namanyana
Player of the Match: Fiona Namanyana (UL)
TEAMS:
WSU: Okuhle Mrulwa, Likona Lisakanya Ngewu, Angel Shabalala, Nokulunga Buhle Buthelezi, Lisakhanya Msengana, Esoxolo Nyholo Lilitha Mjungula, Lilita Ncwanekazi Mweli, Emihle Nase, Yalandisa Matiso, Mandisa Nomfundo Gumede
UL: Mangoako Tebogo Keetsi, Melita Dikeledi Matsee, Lisbon Forgive Phakula, Pitsi Ramasenya, Melida Sekuba, Welcome Maphanga, Queen Sithole, Kgothatso Segabetla, Bonolo Mashego, Fiona Namanyana, Bridgette Mahlare.